Second National Congress of the Clergy

MANILA, Oct. 6, 2009—For the second time Filipino priests will come together from different dioceses all over the country for a congress in Manila.

The CBCP’s Commission on Clergy of the Commission of announced the 2nd National Congress of the Clergy to be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Jan. 25-29, 2010.

Thousands of priests and bishops from over 80 dioceses, vicariates and prelatures are expected to attend the gathering.

The Commission, chaired by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, said the event carries the theme “Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests.”

The congress will be part of the Philippine Catholic Church’s celebration the Year for Priests as declared by Pope Benedict XVI.

Organizers said Fr. Rainerio Cantalamesa, OFM Cap, Papal Preacher to John Paul II and the present Pope will be the Retreat Preacher.

Reflections will also be given by Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of the Diocese of Imus and other bishops.

The congress is expected to tackle priestly formation and vocation crisis, among others.

The church is currently experiencing a decrease in priestly vocations especially in urban areas like Manila.

In 2004, the CBCP said that at least 25,000 more priests are needed to serve some 68 million Filipino Catholics.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo earlier said the ideal ratio should be one priest per 2,000 parishioners. But in Manila alone, he said, the ratio is one priest to 20,000 parishioners.

The first National Congress of the Clergy was held in July 2004 in Manila. (Roy Lagarde)